What to Bring to a Party?

This morning, my sister asked me what she should bring to a Halloween party this weekend.  I don't think I helped her out that much, but maybe I can help you if you're in the same position.  Sure you could buy some dip and pour it into a fancy dish, pretend like you made it yourself, and accept all of the compliments.  Or, you could actually make it yourself, display it on a fancy dish, and accept all the compliments.  Doesn't seem like a big difference, but it is :)

If you're looking for a snack or appetizer that goes a little beyond onion dip, try some homemade spinach artichoke dip, or maybe this hummus.  Or maybe dip's really not your thing?  How about some crostini?  You could assemble these nachos ahead of time and throw them in the host's oven for a few minutes!  Hot, melty nachos!  People will definitely talk about you (in a good way) on their way home!

Sometimes you're given a task though.  You don't get to just pick whatever sounds good to you.  It definitely has it's positives and negatives - you don't have to think about it as much, but also maybe you don't like salads?  If "Salad" is the task you've been assigned, think about making this kale & brussels sprouts salad which you could make hours beforehand.  I don't think anyone could not like Justin's Salad.  If you want something more seasonal, how about a fresh, green salad with cranberries and pears?

And then, if you have a food blog and you've really made yourself known for your baking, you are only asked to bring dessert.  Which is usually a problem of too many options, not a problem of coming up with an idea.  So really it depends on the type of party.  Are people sitting down, are they gathered around a TV watching football or are they going to be standing, holding plates of food in their hands?

Let's start with hand food: there are always cookies and brownies.  Never a bad option.  Lemon Pie Bars are definitely portable.  So are Pumpkin Bars.

You will for sure impress with Maple Bacon Cupcakes (which now that I think about it, people could probably eat while standing up too).  Because it's October, you better be bringing a pumpkin pie.  You just better.

And then what if you're hosting?  I don't know - it's overwhelming.  I'm sorry, I've got nothing for you.  Just don't forget the cocktails!

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